Macbook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023) doesn't connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi network at all

As a retired Network Administrator IMHO you should use a different name for higher wi-fi bands! This will separate the two/three wireless transmission from a router!

I was really annoyed that my new Apple devices couldn't connect to the 5GHz network, just like everyone else. But today, I finally sorted it out. It turned out all I needed to do was update the firmware on my CenturyLink C844G Modem, and that fixed everything.

Before, all my PCs, my older Apple computer, and 13 iPhone minis connect just fine to 5GHz. However, after getting the 2023 Mac mini M2 and my iPhone 16, I noticed they only worked on the 2.4GHz band. So, on 09/24/2024, feeling pretty frustrated, I dove into the modem's admin console and saw the firmware was outdated. After the update, both my Mac mini and iPhone 16 connected to 5GHz without a hitch, and I couldn't be happier.

BTW I can now get rid of my cat5 cable that across my house my Mac mini.

Alright, after venting about the 5G issue for a while, I finally found the time for the Apple Genius Bar and got lucky. As usual, it worked fine on their network, but I explained that this is a known problem and that the laptop should work everywhere, not just at the Apple Store.

They opened the body for a quick fix, and now it seems to work on a 5G network, but here's the kicker: based on the specs, the laptop is still missing Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) support, meaning no 6GHz band. This confirms it’s a hardware issue, likely related to the chip handling Wi-Fi.

Apple needs to address this—it’s supposed to be pro-level equipment, not second-hand.

Big thanks to the Genius Bar for their honesty and professionalism. Now, I can at least connect to a 5GHz network.

Here’s a screen capture of my (and probably yours) M2 Pro (2023):

Same here. I replaced the USB dock for one compatible with Mac M2. This solved my problem. Now the Mac Air is using the 5 Ghz band

Dear Apple,

I'm having exactly the same issue, I have also tried all the above that I could find, including deleting all the other services. I've also tried the test-account and foundthe same result. My Macbook Pro 14 inch M2-pro will only connect to 2.4GHz wifi and not the 5GHz band. My iPhone 12 mini is next to it and is connecting properly.

Please advise what I can do.

Best,

Jurgen

I share same problem with my MacBook Pro M3 Pro, iPad Pro 5th Gen and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple devices can not detect to 5Ghz Band only on Router AX / Wifi6( I tried Asus and Xiaomi AX router). But all can detect 5Ghz with My AC (Wifi5).

Dear Apple,

I Think your new Modem have some issue detecting 5 GHz using new Wifi6 router. Pls help since using 2.4GHz much slower and crowded.

Anybody can help?

Best Regard,

SetionoS

Hi, the solution is really easy. Check your Wi-Fi adapter channels that could be used for 5g. And change it in router settings.

same here, the problem was with the HDMI cable, changed it and everything works just fine, Thanks a lot 💐

Also having this issue. I’m using a Calix 844g router with CenturyLink. Have messed with everything I can possibly think of in the advanced modem settings and it’s still not working on 5G. Also, it’s painfully slow on 2.4G. I have a 2015 MacBook Pro that I just replaced that is reaching 10x faster d/l speeds on the 2.4G (and it connects to 5G with no issues)

I'm having the same issues. M2 MacBook Pro Max. Only had it 2 weeks now. I've tried every single fix I could find online and talked with apple support. It either won't connect at all or it connects and drops every few minutes. Only on the 5ghz band.

Hi, I'm having the same issue with the MacBook pro 16 inch m2. I have already tried with 3 routers (eero, tplink and huawei) and hot-spotting a 5ghz access point from 2 different smartphones. The same result with any of these just accepting the 2.4ghz connection. I even tried from the terminal force to use the 5Ghz band channel of the routers and nothing. Any solution?

Same problem here. 5Ghz works fine from my M1 Macbook Pro, but not from my M2.

On the 5Ghz network, The M1 shows the correct router address (192.168.0.1) & assigns a local IP address. The M2 does not show the router address. DHCP bug?

I am using CenturyLink Calix Wifi Router Model C844G.

Also an issue for me. I tried literally everything. My internet company confirmed that 5g network not compatible with this brand new M2 16" MacBook. HUGE DISSAPOINTMENT. I am a graphic designer- which is why I bought this computer in the first place and constantly work and share multi gig files and can't work with anything less than a 5g network.

Having the same issue over here with a M2Pro 16.

I separated my two networks 2.4 and 5G, disabled IPV6, tried changing DNS, changed the router channel, and I even upgraded to Mac OS Sonoma... and now it is worse. Before it was saying "No internet connection" as if it was not able to acquire an iP address. Now it cannot even connect to the 5G.

I went to an apple store and the genius was not able to identify what was happening claiming that the network in the apple store was 5g and it was connecting fine.

Really frustrating

I just returned my M2 Max because it would not connect to other computers on my home network! It sees the computers but always fails to connect. I am not sure whether i was using 5G or 2.4 (also a TJ Router)wireless but I need to access files located on my other two macs and this M2 would not function and so I took it to the Apple "Genius bar" what a bunch of turkeys, they said they couldnt troubleshoot a network problem because their store system is a secure network with no public connections BS! I think this model has issues and to hide the Apple is instructing their tech staff to avoid any telltale network failures. I had purchased it at a Microcenter store and so I made an appointment for a consultation and if it needed fixing then fix it,instead they joyfully accepted it as a return even the Apple tech onsite agreed they couldnt troubleshoot a netork problem.And so It was returned! Not sure what I am going to get next,but I am loosing the faith in Apple and have been buying Apple computers since 1986 !